Re: Inspired by...

Thank you Rob. Here is a 'grittier' version:

While working on the grain I also took the opportunity to remove the blown bit in the background on the lower left. The softness you saw/see is the result of two things: a soft image to start with and a Gaussian blur that I applied to the noise per a tutorial I read but that I have now removed. I also selectively sharpened the two buds in the foreground.

The composition of the image, not it's technical merit is what kept bringing me back to it. I'm still working on getting both right in the same image

Re: Inspired by...

Originally Posted by ShaneS

Thank you Rob. Here is a 'grittier' version:

While working on the grain I also took the opportunity to remove the blown bit in the background on the lower left. The softness you saw/see is the result of two things: a soft image to start with and a Gaussian blur that I applied to the noise per a tutorial I read but that I have now removed. I also selectively sharpened the two buds in the foreground.

The composition of the image, not it's technical merit is what kept bringing me back to it. I'm still working on getting both right in the same image

Gotcha; your inspiration photo washed over the entire image with grit, but I like what you've got either way; very creative, and I can see why you like the composition...

Re: Inspired by...

Hi, Shane. Great work. I like the toning the softness is quite appropriate, and I confess I'm a sucker for grain (and grit) and just about anything Michael Freeman writes. Excellent job on your re-edit. My only other thought might be whether it would be an improvement to tone down the brighter stem beyond the upper bud.

Re: Inspired by...

Sometimes your great suggestions challenge my editing capabilities but my repertoire of tools are expanding thanks to your input and being doggedly determined! Thanks to both of you for your kind words and encouragement.

Kevin, I did manage to lighten the stem in question quite a bit and also toned down the crossing one on the bottom left a little bit. Good call as the image is improved as a result

Learning to spot these things before posting leaves me a bit humbled at times but three times is a charm on this edit I think - thank heaven for layers in Photoshop!